calm 1 of 3

Definition of calmnext
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calm

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noun

calm

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word calm different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

How is the word calm different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

How is the word calm different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of calm are peaceful, placid, serene, and tranquil. While all these words mean "quiet and free from disturbance," calm often implies a contrast with a foregoing or nearby state of agitation or violence.

the protests ended, and the streets were calm again

When is peaceful a more appropriate choice than calm?

In some situations, the words peaceful and calm are roughly equivalent. However, peaceful implies a state of repose in contrast with or following strife or turmoil.

grown peaceful in old age

When might placid be a better fit than calm?

The words placid and calm can be used in similar contexts, but placid suggests an undisturbed appearance and often implies a degree of complacency.

remained placid despite the criticism

When would serene be a good substitute for calm?

Although the words serene and calm have much in common, serene stresses an unclouded and lofty tranquility.

watched the sunset of a serene summer's evening

When can tranquil be used instead of calm?

The synonyms tranquil and calm are sometimes interchangeable, but tranquil suggests a very deep quietude or composure.

the tranquil beauty of a formal garden

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of calm
Adjective
The public is urged to remain calm, rely solely on verified information from official sources, and refrain from circulating videos or images on social media. Dan Mangan,leslie Josephs,spencer Kimball,cj Haddad,justin Papp,jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026 The streets are calm, the crowds are thin, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens are within a 10-minute walk. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
For tea lovers, Nijiri offers afternoon tea courses that incorporate elements of traditional Japanese tea ceremony, creating moments of calm amid the exploration of flavors. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026 The calm shatters when a local boy is found drowned near the mythical island of Svärtan. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
The first step replenishes skin’s water levels, and the second protects it—a combination that improves elasticity, calms inflammation, and strengthens barrier integrity. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2026 When Mayor Jerry moves forward with the construction of a beltway that will destroy the glade where Mabel learned to calm her nervous system and love nature with her wise grandmother (Karen Huie), this riot grrl skates into action. Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for calm
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calm
Adjective
  • Digital asset activity was certainly not quiet in Iran this weekend.
    Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The spectrum of sentiment has been wide in the Gulf over the past couple of days, from quiet confidence to outright panic.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Soft, serene greens are everywhere this spring.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Elsewhere are an office, a wine cellar, and a bonus room with a sauna, while the rear courtyard allows residents to spread out along the infinity pool and spa while taking in serene mountain views.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Shiites also held a peaceful rally in Multan, a city in Punjab province, chanting slogans against Israel and the United States.
    Adil Jawad, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But restfulness dropped—my body noticed the break.
    Marisa McMillan, Outside, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • But several rounds of peace talks hosted by Turkey in November failed to produce a lasting agreement, and the two sides have occasionally traded fire since then.
    ABDUL QAHAR AFGHAN, Arkansas Online, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Lasting peace can only be achieved through peaceful means, including genuine dialogue and negotiations.
    Greg Myre, NPR, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Honey can also help soothe a sore throat and provide sweetness.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 3 Mar. 2026
  • This, in turn, encourages you to soothe your worries — potentially by exploring them through creative initiatives.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Simply mix 250g of low-fat quark (which contains around 20g of protein) with 40g of ground oats, half a banana as a natural binding agent and a dash of milk.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Nearly 50 miles south, a second site was located in the 2000 block of Golf Road in Turlock, which law enforcement officials said contained all the equipment necessary to operate as a lab but was shut down before production began.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mayreau Beach Club & Villas stands head and shoulders above the rest as an upscale hideaway perched on a blissfully tranquil bay.
    Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2026
  • For what's essentially the embryonic form of a massive star, L1544 is a remarkably tranquil place.
    Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Calm.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calm. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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